Alcohol found in Energy drink in the dry state of Gujarat

After finding considerable amount of alcohol in energy drinks being sold by a Gandhidham based beverage manufacturing unit, the Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) conducted a state-wide investigation today.

“The manufacturer of the beverage called ‘U-Star’ claimed it is an energy drink and sold it Rs 100 per bottle. Recently, we came to know that it contained a considerable amount of alcohol, which is not permissible,” Gujarat FDCA Commissioner H G Koshia said.

“The drink was sold mainly at paan shops. Our teams raided several parts of Saurashtra and Northern Gujarat region, such as Morbi as well as Mehsana, to seize several bottles of the drink. One can easily smell alcohol in the drink. To verify the contents of the drink, we have sent its samples for laboratory tests,” Koshia said.

The FDCA officials followed up the case by also raiding the manufacturing facility of ‘U-Star’ at Gandhidham in Kutch.

When we raided the premises, we learnt that the owner had already shut the plant a few days ago and gone underground. We will approach the Home Department and the police to book the culprits under relevant sections of the law,” Koshia said further.

He further added that the FDCA officials, on checking the labels of the U- Star bottles, found a registration number authorised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). However, they added that the FDCA will verify and confirm with the central authority if the clearances were actually certified by it.